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Lost Horse Creek Fire crews build contingency line for added safety

By LostHorseCreekFire2023 on August 9, 2023

A firefighter and heavy equipment work to build fire break. — A 4-mile contingency line is being built in the Haystack community as another line of defense against the Lost Horse Creek Fire. Alaska Incident Management Team

Firefighters on the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296) are assessing structures along the Elliot Highway up to mile 32. Structure protection continues on Middle Fork Road and Lower Haystack. Masticator work started yesterday on the contingency line going west toward the Elliot Highway to open up an old fuel break. Crews are working to mop up the control line on the southeast side of the fire and advance toward the east to build the Chatanika contingency line.

Moderating weather including cooler weather and likely showers will decrease fire behavior, however, scattered thunderstorms and stronger winds are also in the forecast. The fire area will continue to experience dense smoke, which could lift somewhat with expected scattered showers and winds.

The Sargent Creek Fire (#255) and Our Creek Fire (#271) are in the final stages of mop up; the fires at Murphy Creek (#320), Treasure Creek (#265), Olnes Pond (#250) and Hayes Creek (#266) are in monitor status.

Map showing the location and extent of the fire and evacuation status. — Map of the Lost Horse Creek Fire with evacuation status, August 9, 2023.

EVACUATIONS: As of Monday, August 7, the evacuation status for Upper Haystack has been changed from Level 3 (GO) to Level 2 (SET). Residents who evacuated the area may return to their homes. All other roads in the Haystack subdivision remain at Level 2 (SET). Although conditions are improving in the area, there is still a potential threat. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK | Official Website (fnsb.gov)

People talk with firefights by information boards. — People talked with fire operations personnel about details of the fire at the recent community meeting. Sarah Gracey/Alaska Incident Management Team

People gather around information boards and in chairs for a community meeting. — People talked with fire operations personnel about details of the fire at the recent community meeting. Sarah Gracey/Alaska Incident Management Team

CLOSURES: Alaska State Parks has closed the Olnes Pond campground to support fire operations. The Bureau of Land Management, Eastern Interior Field Office issued an evacuation and closure order for the western portion of the White Mountains National Recreation Area effective midnight on August 6 until September 1, unless modified. The evacuation and closure include trails, public use cabins, trail shelters and the Wickersham Dome Trailhead near Elliott Highway mile 28, which may be used by firefighters. See: Alaska Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov).

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY: Smoke production, transported northward by Chinook winds, has been significant from the 151 active fires in Alaska. Any community adjacent to an active fire may experience periods of degraded air quality. Take measures to limit time outdoors and reduce your exposure to hazardous air quality. For smoke forecast and air quality measures, see Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov).

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFR) are in effect until September 1, 2023. For details, see: 3/0799 NOTAM Details (faa.gov).

Public Information: (907) 921- 2555
Media Inquiries: (907) 921- 2554

Email: 2023.LostHorseCreek@firenet.gov
You Tube: Lost Horse Creek Fire #296 – YouTube

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